![Rain has delayed the start of construction on Goulburn's Performin Arts Centre at the former McDermott Centre. Photo: Louise Thrower. Rain has delayed the start of construction on Goulburn's Performin Arts Centre at the former McDermott Centre. Photo: Louise Thrower.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/FkT3ZusFw5YrTvZCipmLUF/1d96cc28-7aa5-42df-92d4-60e67549d4d7.JPG/r0_0_4288_2801_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Rain is likely to only slightly delay work on Goulburn's new performing arts centre.
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Zauner Constructions has been contracted to complete the $18.95 million facility, adapting the McDermott Centre in Auburn Street.
The first ceremonial sod on the project was turned in December. The council has completed demolition of a rear 1930s addition, relocated power and finalised a design amendment to include a flytower and other aspects.
Archaeological work was also finished but did not turn up the grave of hanged bushranger, Thomas Whitton, council general manager Wawrick Bennett said. Whitton, who was hanged for arson and murder in 1840, was believed to have been buried in the vicinity. The archaeology did however reveal remains of the old Goulburn Jail, which were not deemed by specialist, Wendy Thorp and the Office of Environment and Heritage to be overly significant.
Operations director Matt O'Rourke said Zauner Constructions was onsite and was looking to start excavation earlier this week but was delayed by the rain.
"It could delay things by a week or two," he said.
"The next step is to do more detailed excavation of the footings and pilings, which are part of the foundation. It's coming along and is in the hands of the contractor now."
The council has allocated a total $20,450,000, including contingency, and has so far spent $2,755,104, a report to Tuesday night's meeting stated.
![READY: The rear 1930s addition to the McDermott Centre has been demolished. Zauner Constructions is expected to start work on the Performing Arts Centre in earnest in coming weeks. Photo: Louise Thrower. READY: The rear 1930s addition to the McDermott Centre has been demolished. Zauner Constructions is expected to start work on the Performing Arts Centre in earnest in coming weeks. Photo: Louise Thrower.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/FkT3ZusFw5YrTvZCipmLUF/6503ca30-1c2a-4476-9b64-d2f3c8dec98e.JPG/r0_0_4097_2848_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Inside the 1887 EC Manfred designed building, formerly used as the Town Hall, a timber ceiling has been exposed in the old chambers.
General manager Warwick Bennett previously told The Post that the council always knew it was there.
"It has the most magnificent timber roof so we exposed it and will restore it to its former glory. It will become a feature in the reception area, which can also be used as a theatrette," he said.
Construction on the facility is expected to be completed in May, 2021.
![The timber ceiling exposed during work in the former council chambers. Photo supplied. The timber ceiling exposed during work in the former council chambers. Photo supplied.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/FkT3ZusFw5YrTvZCipmLUF/2b881c4a-b469-4b2e-9b9c-e5e43a37dfb4_rotated_90.jpg/r0_0_2667_3995_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
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